LOS ANGELES, LA – Going on its ninth season, Ellen DeGeneres was certainly a breathe of fresh air for American Idol!

LOS ANGELES, LA – Going on its ninth season, Ellen DeGeneres was certainly a breathe of fresh air for American Idol!

The host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, stepped outside of her comfort zone and took her position as the new judge for this season’s American Idol. If her first appearance last night is a sign of things to come, than this should be a very good ninth season. Known for her quick wit and funnylady persona, fans were certainly delighted with her debut as the singing competition’s fourth judge.

Ellen responded to comments of not having enough experience in the music biz by saying, “I know what it’s like to stand on stage trying to please a roomful of people.” Ellen didn’t hold back or feel overwhelmed and she got right to work. Using her comedy as a crutch, she was honest with the contestants. Saying about one, “You were like a leopard behind a cage.” To another contestant, “It was crazy – in a bad way.”

As has been reported, this will be Simon Cowell’s last season as judge. A regular walking hallmark card, who has been known for his harsh criticisms. Towards the beginning of the show, Simon and Ellen shared a moment. “So this is it, huh?” Ellen whispered to Simon. “I come on, you leave.”

The “American Idol” faithful were more than pleased with her debut. Many rushed to their Twitter and Facebook pages to sing her praises. Some admitted that they only tuned in to watch her debut. “Ellen Completely met my expectations,” said Dave Della Terza, founder of VoteForTheWorst.com. Andy Dehnhart, lecturer at Stetson University, said,”She excels as a talk show host and it she keeps up what she did tonight, she’ll easily establish herself as the best judge.”

Two highlights of the evening were Lilly Scott, a sandwich maker, who did Ella Fitzgerald’s “Lullaby Of Birdland” much justice. Also Michael Lynche, a personal trainer and expecting his first child, who pleased the crowd with John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.”